A TEESSIDE couple today told of their devastation after finding their holiday plans were in tatters as they arrived at the airport.

Sue and Glyn Jenkins, from Billingham, were among thousands of holidaymakers left stranded today after the UK’s third largest tour operator ceased trading.

XL Leisure Group announced it was grounding all flights from early today after going into administration having failed to secure a rescue package.

The Jenkins arrived at Newcastle Airport

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this morning for their two-week holiday in Skiathos, Greece, to find the flights cancelled.

Wiping away the tears Sue, a mum-of-three, said: “We didn’t know anything about it until we came to check in. I was just completely shocked.

“We have bought the flight and accommodation separately so we are going to the travel agents tomorrow to try and find a new flight, otherwise it’s a complete waste.

“We worked all year for this. This is our big trip - we have spent £1,300 on the holiday which includes about £500 for the flights.”

Factory worker Sue, 53, and Glyn, 57, who is in the building trade, paid £50 for a taxi to travel to Newcastle from their home in Billingham and were forced to wait for a lift back with her daughter this morning.

She said: “If we can’t get new flights we will just end up having to go on a coach trip to Scotland or something. I got so upset when we were first told what had happened.

“We heard about other companies going into liquidation, but you never think it will be yours - especially with them being such a big company.”